Responsibilities:
Advising the Commissioner of Public Lands and agency staff on issues of interest to tribal sovereigns and sovereignty. As Director of Tribal Affairs, responsible for overseeing the Deputy of Tribal Affairs and Cultural Resource Specialist, ensuring effective leadership and coordination within the team. Government to Government outreach and negotiations; ensuring appropriate agency and tribal representation is present and that appropriate protocols are followed.

This position will exist to assist the Commissioner, the Executive Committee, and the agency at large, in establishing and maintaining strong, enduring relationships with:

• Federally recognized Tribes who have an interest in Washington State natural resource issues,
• Non-Federally recognized tribal communities,
• Migrant Indigenous people, and
• Urban Indian populations.

Required Qualifications: 

• Bachelor’s degree AND at least 4 years of progressively responsible leadership working directly with Tribal Governments and/or elected leaders;
  OR any combination of education and/or experience equivalent that demonstrates the ability.
• Demonstrated a history of designing programs to advance racial equity and justice across programs and organizations.
• Demonstrated experience successfully moving a high-priority, high-profile project involving multiple, competing interests from start to completion.
• Demonstrated experience successfully working alongside, building, and managing relationships with Tribes, and internal and external partners, including business and private industry.
• Demonstrated experience successfully working alongside and building relationships with urban and rural WA Tribes, Tribal organizations, business and private industry partners.
• Experience working for a Tribal elected official, non-Tribal elected official, or other high-level executive.
• Effective in building strong relationships and trust with Washington Tribes.
• Approachable and comfortable working as a convener and collaborator with public and Tribal partners.
• Skilled at navigating the political landscape of working for an elected official and developing a network of partners that connect DNR to WA State cities, Tribes, and communities.
• Able to cultivate a team that strengthens collaboration and cooperation and builds leadership with staff and external partners.
• Capable of analyzing complex issues and handling controversial and sensitive issues that come with implementing statewide initiatives.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and ability to seek solutions that achieve results.
• Commitment to fostering and supporting an environment that honors diversity, equity, inclusion, and environmental justice practices.
• Perform assigned duties in a manner consistent with applicable laws, and regulations, and public records retention and requests are followed.
• DNR Core Competencies:
  • Personal Accountability
  • Value Others
  • Compassionate Communication
  • Inspire Others
  • Commitment to Excellence

• A hybrid schedule with telework and working in the DNR building.
• Travel and overnight stays are required as necessary.
• A valid unrestricted driver’s license and have two years of driving experience. This position requires driving as an essential function. Finalists and/or interview candidates will be asked to provide a driving record from all states in which they have held a license during the past three years.

Application Requirements:

• Apply online: at www.careers.wa.gov (Click on the APPLY button above).
• Letter of interest: describing your specific qualifications to the position and position required, desired, and special requirements.
• Resume: that details your experience and qualifications.
• References: at least three professional references with current telephone numbers– you may attach a document, use the References text field in the online application, or include it with your resume.
• Important: Do not attach any documents that include photos or private information (social security number, year of birth, etc.).
• Complete all supplemental questions.
• Candidates who move forward in the recruitment process may be contacted via email at info@governmentjobs.com with interview information/scheduling instructions. Please monitor the email listed in your application materials and check your junk email folder to ensure you receive those communications.

• Safety and Well-Being —Our top priority is the safety of the public and our employees.
• Public Service —We value and respect the public we serve, and we value and respect the people of the Department of Natural Resources who step up to serve.
• Innovation and Creative Problem-Solving — We solve our state’s most pressing challenges through innovative thinking, dedication, and bold and creative vision.
• Leadership and Teamwork —We are committed to building leaders at all levels and building teams for success.

• Commitment to organizational health and wellness
• Work/life balance
• DNR Employee Resource Groups (Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Council, Women’s Employee Resource Group, Veterans Employee Resource Group, etc.)
• Statewide Employee Business Resource Groups, visit here to learn more
• Leadership that empowers and supports employees
• Professional development opportunities
• Educational and career development aid
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness Eligibility
• Opportunities to participate in wildland fire suppression assignments
• A comprehensive benefits package that includes employer contributions toward health insurance, paid holidays, retirement plans, sick leave, and vacation days. Visit http://careers.wa.gov/benefits.html for more information.